Open for Business, The Science Museum

The back story
In 2013 nine prestigious Magnum photographers were commissioned to turn their lenses towards the multi-faceted creature that is the UK manufacturing industry, among their ranks were world-renowned Martin Parr and American photographer Bruce Gilden. From FTSE 100 companies to one-man businesses, Open For Business celebrates the diversity of British industry in laboratories, studios, factories and garden sheds. 
Productive nation
Open For Business assumes a generally optimistic outlook on the fortune of small island nation that, despite the common misconception of a waning industrial power, was 11th in the world for manufacturing output in 2012 and is a global leader in aerospace engineering and pharmaceuticals. Britain maintains a rich and diverse spread of industries and this is reflected in the varied focal points of the exhibition, each one investigated by a different photographer. 
At a time of great economic uncertainty and shiftings of power, the perfect opportunity arises to explore the intricacies of a nation’s manufacturing past, present and future. From the conception of modern manufacturing on the back of the industrial revolution, to the looming frontier of automated production, businesses are forced to fight for a middle ground between streamlined international competitiveness and the well-being of their employees. 
The Exhibition
From Jonas Bendiksen’s exploration of the textile and wool industry in the Bradford area to Bruce Gilden’s thoughtful examining of the various manufacturers in Greater London, you can rest assured that this exhibition will present you with nine distinct yet complementary takes on British industry. Processes, products and personnel will all feature as subject matter as each artist endeavours to encapsulate their commission. The exhibition will also include footage from each of the photographers’ journey into their personal project. Don’t miss out!